COVER UP ! Mr. Frapu Edition

One of my greatest fat-free, guilt indulgence is listening to the ear-friendly cover version over the monsoon, unpredictable weather. Hope it shall give us a new level of understanding and appreciation. Let me turn up a few good ones and share them ...



1. Sway – Rosemary Clooney & Perez Prado
Because it becomes the opening theme of Repo Men – a futuristic thriller flick by Jude Law. Original mambo at its best!





2. I Want You – Madonna & Massive Attack
A soulful signature Motown-ish tune turns into a semi-noir composition and still retain a hauntingly seduceful vocal. Marvin still approves. Guaranteed.






3. La Vie en Rose – Pascal of Bollywood
This timeless repertoire reinterpreted and revisited with a dish of Indian flavor. Imagine tandoori and curry fine dining in the stylish Cafe de Flore. Melting pot should sound like this!







4. Aksi Kucing – White Shoes & The Couples Company
Dear Warung Shanghai Blues .... this should be your in-house anthem!








5. C’est Magnifica – Kay Starr
What’s not to like Cole Porter simplicity yet majesty-honesty-reality: “When love comes in and take you for a spin o la la c’est magnifica .... When every night your love want hold you tight o la la c’est magnifica .... But when one day your love want drifts away o la la well it’s so tragica ... But when once more he whispered j’tadore c’est magnifica




6. I’m In The Mood for Love – Jamiroquai
Jay Kay flexes his acid jazz modus operandi into a sun-drenched, up-lifting reggae arrangement.







7. Cry Me A River – Dinah Washington
Because the swingin’ Miss D delivers it from the heart.








8. It’s Only A Paper Moon – James Taylor
Easy and classy. Full moon panorama is only an optional.








9. That’s All - Eliane Ellias
São Paulo-born, Manhattan-based pianist Eliane Elias performs this brush-stroked ballad and gonna touch the inner you. Elias’ pretty pianisms complement her breathy Portuguese/English contralto. Dear Oom Peter Gontha, please bring her back next year at Java Jazz Festival stage.




10. Wishing on a Star – Paul Weller
A standard, strictly female “longin’ for lover come-back tune” becomes surprisingly and refreshingly masculine ... thanks Paul!







11. Over The Rainbow – Melody Gardot
The story of how Melody Gardot overcame the effects of a near-fatal accident to become one of the vocal sensations of 2008 is not the most extraordinary thing about the 23-year-old Philadelphia singer-songwriter. It is simply that here is a voice in a million; one that touches the soul. It would take a heart of stone to remain unmoved by the poignant classic, an irresistible, Brazilian take on Somewhere Over The Rainbow. And when the song is over, the Melody lingers on . . .

12. Mercy Mercy Me (Ten Piedad de Mi) – Ottmar Liebert
His ability to take a melody, weave a fine tapestry and time seems to stand still...









13. Nobody Does It Better – Radiohead
One of the coolest song ever - being twisted and inspire the listener to be uplifted and reflective in equal measure.